How to become a Model
Models wear and display clothes, accessories and other consumer goods, and promote services in ways designed to generate sales. They may demonstrate new products and services at exhibitions or pose in front of the public or cameras. Models may specialise in particular types of modelling, such as editorial (publications), commercial (film, TV and photographs for commercial products) and fashion shows
Personal requirements for a Model
- Enjoy artistic and creative activities
- Dedicated and patient
- Minimum height in certain types of modelling
- Well-proportioned facial features, clear skin and healthy hair
- Neat personal appearance
- An outgoing personality
- Good communication skills are essential in promotional work
Education & Training for a Model
You can work as a model without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications but they are not required as a condition of entry into this career.
Additional information
Prospective models should first approach a reputable model agency who will assess their suitability for this industry. If successful, the agency will arrange for a photographic folio and composite card (showing personal statistics and fashion images) to be made for them to help obtain work. The agency will then promote them to local clients with eventual possibilities for placement in global markets.It is advisable to make sure that the agency has a good reputation and is well established in the industry. The modelling agency may charge for the required training but reputable agencies do not charge money to register. There are additional costs related to photographic portfolios and composite cards.
Duties & Tasks of a Model
Models:
- Walk, dance or pose before audiences on catwalks to display clothing and accessories
- Pose in front of cameras wearing fashion clothing or promoting products for advertisement in newspapers, in magazines, on websites or on billboards
- Participate in commercials for television and cinema
- Participate in wholesale clothing showings to buyers
- Demonstrate new products and services at manufacturers' exhibitions and industry trade shows
- Hand out pamphlets or samples of advertising products at exhibitions and shows.
Tasks
- Models garments, footwear and fashion accessories for customers, sales personnel and fashion designers.
- Poses for television, video and cinema commercials and for still photographs which appear in magazines, newspapers, catalogues and on billboards.
- Poses as subjects for paintings, sculptures and other types of art.
Employment Opportunities for a Model
Most models work for clothing firms and department stores, advertising and publicity agencies, and in film or television studios. Some work as teachers in modelling and deportment schools.Employment opportunities in modelling are very competitive. Many models work part time while undertaking other activities, such as studying, or combine modelling with other paid part-time work. The possibility exists for models to work overseas.Models can move into careers associated with modelling, such as public relations, television presenting or fashion buying and consultancy positions. A model who has good communication skills may become a fashion-show compere (host) and coordinator. Entry into these fields is highly competitive.
Specializations
Model
Models wear and display clothes, accessories and other consumer goods, and promote services in ways designed to generate sales. They may demonstrate new products and services at exhibitions or pose in front of the public or cameras. Models may specialise in particular types of modelling, such as editorial (publications), commercial (film, TV and photographs for commercial products) and fashion shows
Average age
26
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
81% female
Average full-time
32 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Entry level
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
17%
Employment Size
610
Employment by state
ACT: 1.7%
NSW: 40.9%
NT: 0.0%
QLD: 16.9%
SA: 3.5%
TAS: 0.5%
VIC: 32.5%
WA: 4.1%
Age brackets
15-19: 17.7%
20-24: 31.6%
25-34: 29.9%
35-44: 9.9%
45-54: 6.7%
55-59: 1.2%
60-64: 1.1%
65 and Over: 2%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 8.3%
Bachelor degree: 18.3%
Certificate III/IV: 11.6%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.5%
Year 10 and below: 9.3%
Year 11: 7.1%
Year 12: 42.9%
